Over 2022 we were blessed to be working with Stained glass artist Gonz Velasquez-Skinner. For a long time the college community had been discussing the deterioration of the original stained glass artwork at the front of the college on the tower. This original artwork held a significant connection in the history of the college having been designed by the father of a past principal Mr Egmont Melton. As the old artwork had weathered over many years in the sun, we knew the time had come to replace it. We also needed to make sure we included elements of the old design to continue its place in the history of the school.
The artwork depicts our patron saint, St Maxmilian Kolbe. His story and the attributes he lived by drive everything we do at Kolbe as a community. When we look up to this artwork we see him as a symbol of kindness, strength and sacrifice.
The placement of the artwork was also an important consideration.
Although the old artwork faced to the outside of the College, it was felt that this new artwork needed to face inward. We now have St Maximilian Kolbe looking over us. He looks into the heart of our college. He looks over our students, staff and community and is a constant reminder for us to live ‘The Kolbe Way’.
We could not have achieved this momentous task without Mr Gonz Velasquez Skinner. As a Kolbe parent, community member and parishioner at our local church Gonz was so happy to be a part of Kolbe’s story. He designed the artwork with us, and worked with our Year 7&8 leaders in 2022, who were able to cut pieces of the glass that are part of the final artwork. Gonz is a humble and passionate stained glass artist and we truly appreciate his time, dedication and quality of craftsmanship.
